Redefining Care and Wellbeing

Our approach to Health Architecture

Our approach to healthcare architecture

Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects has been at the forefront of redefining healthcare architecture, emphasizing designs that promote healing, well-being, and community integration. Our approach to hospital design is rooted in the belief that architecture can transcend traditional boundaries between illness and health, creating environments that foster recovery and holistic well-being.

Patient-Centered Design

We prioritize patient well-being through thoughtful architectural choices. In the Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, the use of warm materials, strategic spatial planning, and abundant natural light contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. The facility is organized around a two-story garden with multiple courtyards and a public rooftop garden, promoting physical activity and providing therapeutic green spaces. This biophilic design approach not only aids in treatment but also serves as a preventive and educational tool, redefining the conventional hospital experience.

Functional Layouts and Flexibility

Efficiency and adaptability are key components of our healthcare projects. The New North Zealand Hospital features a clover-shaped plan that balances the need for a central garden with short internal connections, optimizing both patient and staff movement. This design ensures that frequently used departments are centrally located, while the separation of outpatient and inpatient flows enhances operational efficiency. Such layouts not only improve functionality but also allow for future adaptability in response to evolving medical practices.

Integration with Nature

A cornerstone of our healthcare design philosophy is the seamless integration of nature into medical facilities. Research indicates that exposure to green spaces can enhance patient recovery by reducing stress and improving mental health. In projects like the New North Zealand Hospital, the design incorporates expansive gardens and natural landscapes, ensuring that patients have continuous access to nature. The hospital's horizontal layout harmonizes with the Danish landscape, creating a serene environment conducive to healing.

Community Engagement

Our designs extend beyond patient care to serve the broader community. Healthcare facilities often include spaces for cultural events, social initiatives, and art exhibitions, transforming hospitals into community hubs. For instance, the New North Zealand Hospital is envisioned to host various community activities, fostering a sense of belonging and actively promoting health within the local area.

Emphasis on Well-being and Privacy

Recognizing the importance of privacy and personal space in patient recovery, we design hospitals with single-patient rooms, reducing stress and potentially accelerating healing. The incorporation of natural materials, such as wood, and access to daylight and garden views create a homely atmosphere, further enhancing patient comfort. These design elements are evident in both the New North Zealand Hospital and the Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, where the environment is meticulously crafted to support patient well-being.

Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability is integral to our healthcare projects. Designs utilize energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. The Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, for example, features a biodiversity-rich rooftop garden that serves as a public space, enhancing urban ecology while providing educational opportunities about sustainable practices.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the complexity of New North Zealand Hospital

A new vision for hospitals - Redefining care and wellbeing

New North Zealand Hospital redefines hospital design with a focus on well-being, comfort, and integration with nature. Guided by the vision of 'Vitality,' the project breaks the boundaries between health and illness, creating spaces that promote healing and quality of life. The hospital is seamlessly integrated into the landscape, featuring daylight, green gardens, and human-centered solutions at its core.

+ Read more about the project here

Join Tom Johansen on a user journey through Slagelse Psychiatric Hospital

A beacon for mental health

Slagelse Psychiatric Hospital combines architecture and nature in a cohesive health campus.
Its unique cluster design, integrated gardens, and modern knowledge center create an environment that fosters calm, safety, and innovation. The DGNB Gold certification and user collaboration highlight the project’s focus on sustainability and functionality.

+ Read more about the project here

Steno Diabetes Center is ArchDaily's Health Building of the Year 2024

Re-defining sickness and health through architecture

As Northern Europe’s largest hospital for diabetes, the center integrates architecture and nature to promote both treatment and prevention. With a user-centered design, lush gardens, and a public rooftop terrace, it creates an environment that reduces stress and enhances physical and mental health.

+ Read more about the project here

Selected health projects

Want to know more?

Contact Thomas West Jensen, Partner

twj@vla.dk